Finding 1157972 (2024-002)

Finding 2024-002—Eligibility ALN #93.659 Criteria: As outlined within Section 2 Code of Federal Regulations (“CFR”) Part 200, Appendix XI, of the 2024 Compliance Supplement, the County is required to document and maintain certain eligibility documentation within the Adoption Assistance Program. Condition and Context: We noted that 2 of 28 cases selected for testing did not contain eligibility documentation for criminal background checks and New York State central register checks for adoption parents. Cause: The cases with missing eligibility documentation originated prior to 2015, and we noted that documentation for these cases were not maintained in an organized manner. Effect or Potential Effect: Noncompliance with the eligibility documentation requirements of the Section 2 Code of Federal Regulations (“CFR”) Part 200, Appendix XI, of the 2024 Compliance Supplement. Recommendation: We recommend that the County continue to ensure case files for the Adoption Assistance Program include all required documentation to satisfy the eligibility requirements as outlined by Section 2 Code of Federal Regulations (“CFR”) Part 200, Appendix XI, of the 2024 Compliance Supplement. View of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action Plan: Going forward, all Adoption Subsidy case files will include Criminal Background Checks and Statewide Central Registry (SCR) clearances, in accordance with the updated OCFS-4401. Each Adoption Subsidy determination will be reviewed by the Senior Caseworker in charge of the FAHD Unit and subsequently verified by a Services Eligibility Unit Social Services Specialist to ensure that all required documentation is included prior to case opening.